Calls For Clarity On 'Temporary' Gas Price Rise

Friday, 20 August 2021 15:47

The chairman of Jersey's Consumer Council is asking for clarity on Jersey Gas prices, 15 months after a 'temporary' 6.5% price rise was introduced.

The utility company's former boss, Ian Plenderleith, said at the time that it was left with 'no other choice' than to increase prices because of a lack of financial support from the government as the island was suffering during the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic:

"I must stress that these changes will only be temporary, until such time as the full economic impact of the pandemic is more accurately known."

The temporary 6.5% price rise was announced by then-MD Ian Plenderleith in April 2020.

Jersey Gas demand dropped during last year's lockdown as hotels, restaurants and other commercial properties were lying empty.

Carl Walker, who chairs the Jersey Consumer Council, says he's uncomfortable with the thought of some islanders possibly not turning on the heating this winter because of the cost:

"We are about to head towards another winter and that charge is still going to be there. It's not right, especially in an island like Jersey as things are starting to creep back to normal.

"Islanders should rest assured the Consumer Council isn't going to let this drop. We're going to keep on at Jersey Gas until they remove it, reduce it, or admit that the price hike is here forever.

"We need some clarity on that. We know more and more Jersey Gas customers are switching to other forms of heating, and there's a risk that there's going to be a downward spiral - and customers living in rented accommodation who have no choice but to use gas will be the hardest hit."

Jersey Gas has been contacted for a response.